Cast and international guest artist announced for Cape Ballet Africa’s production of Maina Gielgud’s Giselle
With the countdown on to the premiere of Maina Gielgud’s Giselle, Cape Ballet Africa has announced the principal cast and international guest artist for the performances this November.
Giselle is one of ballet’s most beloved romantic masterpieces, that shares a story of love and betrayal. It will be presented from 13 to 22 November at The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter.
This production is choreographed by internationally lauded choreographer Maina Gielgud and features a sumptuous new set and costumes by acclaimed designer Michael Mitchell.
Set to a score by Adolphe Adam, all performances are to a recording by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
International guest artist Solomon Osazuva will guest with Cape Ballet Africa in the role of Albrecht for the season. He will partner Cape Ballet Africa’s Leanè Theunissen as Giselle.
Debbie Turner, founder and artistic director of Cape Ballet Africa, says:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Solomon Osazuva to South Africa to perform with Leanè in Giselle. Experience the other captivating partnerships with our very own Mia Coomber dancing Giselle with partner Gabriel Ravenscroft as Albrecht, as well as the wonderful Paige McElligott and Joshua Williams performing these roles on other dates.”
“It has been a privilege for all involved to be working with the legendary Maina Gielgud, whose artistry, knowledge and experience is an inspiration and guiding light for each of us. To have the seasoned, visionary designer Michael Mitchell on board designing costumes and new sets for us, is the cherry on top. Book now to be swept up in the magical, ethereal world of Giselle.”
Giselle is an innocent and beautiful peasant girl who loves to dance, and unsuspectingly falls in love with a philandering nobleman, Albrecht, who has disguised himself as a peasant while pursuing her affections.
When she discovers his deceit and finds out he is already betrothed, Giselle is inconsolable and dies of a broken heart. The story continues in the moonlit land of the Wilies, a mysterious landscape inhabited by the vengeful spirits of virgin brides who never reached their wedding day. The ghostly Wilies torment Albrecht as he appears in search of the spirit of Giselle.
The duality of the body and spirit, evocation of the supernatural, and the tale of undying love and devotion endears this quintessentially romantic ballet to a universal audience.
Maina Gielgud is an internationally acclaimed choreographer, director, dancer and teacher. She has danced with companies around the world, including Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Australian Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, CAPAB, PACT, and the London Festival Ballet. She was also the director/associate director of the Australian Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and Houston Ballet.
Born in Vienna, Solomon Osazuva completed his full ballet education at the Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera. Upon graduation, he joined the National Theatre Brno, rapidly advancing to leading roles and establishing a reputation for precision, strength, and musicality.
His performance excellence was recognized internationally with multiple distinctions, including 1st Place at the European Ballet Grand Prix (2017 and 2018, Karl Musil Prize), 2nd Place at the Tanzolymp International Ballet Competition (2018), and the Premio Capri Danza International Award (2024).
After an extensive guest career across Europe, Solomon continued his professional development as a member of the Slovenian National Theatre. In September 2025, he joined the Croatian National Theatre in Split as a Principal Dancer at the invitation of Artistic Director Denis Matvienko, marking a strategic new chapter in his career.
His repertoire includes lead roles in classical ballets such as Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Raymonda, Paquita, and The Sleeping Beauty, and collaborations with prominent choreographers including Jiří Kylián, Renato Zanella, Liam Scarlett, José Carlos Martinez, Denis Matvienko, Valentina Turcu, Eward Chlug, Mario Radačovský, and Lukas Zuschlag.
Show Information:
Maina Gielgud’s Giselle
Venue:
The Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre Complex
Dates:
13 to 22 November 2025
Ticket Prices:
Standard Prices: from R200 – R495
On Thursday, 20 November at 11h30, there will be a performance for Senior Citizens
tickets priced at R200 – R250
Bookings:
Through Webtickets and at selected Pick n Pay stores
Performance Dates and Cast List:
Thursday, 13 November at 19h30
Mia Coomber, Gabriel Ravenscroft, Jan Kotze, Leanè Theunissen
Friday, 14 November at 19h30
Leanè Theunissen, Solomon Osazuva (guest), Thomas Larché, Tayla De Bie
Saturday, 15 November at 15h00
Mia Coomber, Gabriel Ravenscroft, Jan Kotze, Julia O’Keeffe
Saturday, 15 November at 19h30
Paige McElligott, Joshua Williams, Nicolas Laubscher, Tayla De Bie
Sunday, 16 November at 15h00
Leanè Theunissen, Solomon Osazuva (guest), Thomas Larché, Paige McElligott
Tuesday, 18 November at 19h30
Paige McElligott, Joshua Williams, Nicolas Laubscher, Mia Coomber
Wednesday, 19 November at 19h30
Leanè Theunissen, Solomon Osazuva (guest), Thomas Larché, Paige McElligott
Thursday, 20 November at 11h30
Paige McElligott, Joshua Williams, Nicolas Laubscher, Julia O’Keeffe
Thursday, 20 November at 19h30
Mia Coomber, Gabriel Ravenscroft, Jan Kotze, Leanè Theunissen
Saturday, 22 November at 15h00
Mia Coomber, Gabriel Ravenscroft, Jan Kotze, Tayla De Bie
Saturday, 22 November t 19h30
Leanè Theunissen, Solomon Osazuva (guest), Thomas Larché, Mia Coomber
Connect with Cape Ballet Africa on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Connect with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
